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TwistyLane@aol.com
OWLSFLIGHT and OWLSIGHT
by Mercedes Lackey and her husband Larry Dixon, 2 1/2 stars
(Fantasy) Very quick reads. I can see why she is popular with a much younger crowd. For me, she has gone downhill. I really enjoyed reading about Valdemar twenty years ago when she first started.
TOOTH AND NAIL
by Ian Rankin, 3 stars
The king of Scottish Noir returns when Detective John Rebus is called to London to help find a serial killer called the Wolfman. Maybe it was just my mood, but I felt like, if you've read one ... you've read them all.
DUNE:HOUSE HARKONNEN
by Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson, 3 1/2 stars
(Sci/fi) Frank Herbert this isn't, but I have enjoyed a return to the past.
ASHES OF AIRES
by Martha Lawrence, 4 1/2 stars
Psychic investigator Elizabeth Chase is back trying to undercover a kidnapping of a 5 year old boy and an arsonist. Are the same person? Is the boy still alive? Elizabeth's "gift" tells her that he is. Well written. Makes Elizabeth "quirkiness" seem quite ordinary.
SHADOW MATRIX
by Marion Zimmer Bradley, 4 stars
(Sci/fi) Darkover series continues. Mikhail and Marquerida time travel to Varzil the Great and learn to act as one matrix. I love this series. I have my bags packed for Darkover.
LEGS BENEDICT
by Mary Daheim, 1 1/2 stars
(Mystery) This is a Bed and Breakfast mystery series. I usually enjoy them, but this was too "busy". Daheim tried too hard I think.
HAIR OF THE DOG
by Laurien Berenson, 3 1/2 stars
(Mystery) This is a Melanie Travis mystery and just one in a series featuring dogs ... dog shows and poodles. A dog handler is killed. He considered himself a lady's man. Did one of his lady's get him? I enjoyed this one and will try some more.
THE TIDAL POOLE
by Karen Harper, 4 stars
(Historical Mystery) I've always enjoyed a good historical mystery. This is the second in a series and I'll try another. The sister of one of Queen Elizabeth's best friends is murdered. She calls her Privy Plot Council together ... Kat (lady in waiting), Meg (herbalist), Ned (actor ... court clown), Jenks (soldier) to investigate.
MURDER RUNS IN THE FAMILY
by Anne George, 4 1/2 stars
(Mystery) Mary Alice and Patricia Anne are back. A genealogist dies (falls from a building) and a Judge is murdered. Connected? Third in the funny series by George. Highly recommend.
OVERKILL: A Maggie Ryan Mystery
by Susan McBride, 4 stars
Susan McBride once again takes on a difficult subject ... a school bus shooting. This is one author who makes you think and tries to educate the reader. This time we get an education about Williams Syndrome. Vivid descriptions of the victims may be disturbing to some readers.
TRICK OR TREAT MURDER
by Leslie Meier, 4 stars
Halloween arrives in Tinker's Cove, Maine. The Trick will be to find an arsonist turned murderer before he/she strikes again. Lucy Stone just seems to fall into the position of amateur sleuth in each of these stories. Another series I really enjoy because of the feel of the characters. They aren't hard to imagine as real.
HONEYMOON WITH MURDER
by Carolyn G. Hart, 4 stars
Annie Laurance and Max Darling marry. Honeymoon delayed because of murder of town snoop. This is a series I read not because of the mystery. The mystery is usually easy to figure out. I read them for the tons of information Hart supplies the reader about the mystery genre. Amazing!
herwindow@yahoo.com
LONG TRAIN TO THE REDEEMING SIN: Stories of African Women
by Kola Boof, 5 stars
This one is really hard to find unless you go online at BOWKERS Books-In-Print, but my God is it ever worth it!! Yes! I've read it four times and I just can't get enough of the drama, beauty and wisdom (not to mention raw honesty) that drips from every spellbinding page! I loved it! And I'm not black and I'm not a reader regularly (although I love to sit around and listen to book people talk), but I don't know what else, frankly, to tell you as a recommendation for this book.
brady538_91208@yahoo.com
CLARA BOW RUNNIN' WILD
by David Stenn, 5 stars
This is a heart
rending story that amazes on almost every page. You could certainly call the Bow family dysfunctional, however, you learn of a powerful personality in Clara who surmounts impossible barriers and then suffers many consequences due to a total lack of sophistication...yet is an endearing female that you root for all the way. A must read!
BEVBOOKS@aol.com
JHALIFAH
by John Elray, 5 stars
Unexpectedly mesmerizing. This is a book about the 7th century Arab world and a man who was forced to accept the Muslim religion to go on and become the supreme ruler of that harsh land. Lots of action, great characters, good plot, even a great love story in there among the well done, bloody battle scenes.
TURN THE SAND GLASS OVER
by Charles Albano, 4 stars
Poetry written in several different types, rhymed, unrhymed, haiku.
TrishRux@aol.com
SKIPPING CHRISTMAS
by John Grisham, 4 stars
Good read, I can see this one as a movie. I was disappointed in the ending.
NancyKWilson@aol.com
IN SEARCH OF IRELAND
by H. V. Morton
Copywrite 1931. Having traveled with my granddaughter in Ireland this summer, it is a joy to follow another writer's journey along the same roads, but 70 years ago! I am learning that Ireland remains Ireland. The format of the writing is exceptional and one that travel writers could emulate for brevity supporting sufficient historical data and scenic description. A wonderful book, warm and cozy.
SOPHIENED@aol.com
HOTEL OF THE SAINTS
by Ursula Hegi, 5 stars
This writer can do no wrong. This short story collection is exceptional.
CARTER BEATS THE DEVIL
by Glen David Gold, 5 stars
An amazing debut. On par with Chabon's KAVALIER AND CLAY.
THE CORRECTIONS
by Jonathan Franzen, 1 star
The most overrated book I have ever read. A complete bore. The author seemed to want to shock the reader for the sake of shocking. Nothing is shocking anymore except the amount of press this below average book has been given. If you want a great novel that looks at family dynamics check out Joyce Carol Oates, YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS.
Lucky4750@aol.com
SEPTEMBER SONG
by Andrew M. Greeley, 5 stars
This is the fourth novel of the crazy O'Malley's. Chuck and his wife Rosemarie continue to delight us with their daily lives and in this one you'll find Chuck O'Malley calling President Lyndon B. Johnson a corrupt redneck to his face. They are all great novels about the O'Malley's.
MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER
by Tina Sinatra, 5 stars
This is one of the best biographies I have read in a very long time. I got to know a side of Frank Sinatra I was unaware of as was most of the public. I smiled, cried, laughed and more importantly I enjoyed the journey Tina Sinatra took me on about her Dad.
bigshermama57@msn.com
THE GREAT GATSBY
by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 5 stars
I had to read this for a course I was taking. It was actually the third time I was reading it, but I have found that with each reading I have taken away so much more than the previous time. On the surface it can appear to be just a fluff piece about lost love and unfulfilled dreams. But it is about so much more. This was Fitzgerald's cautionary tale to America during the wild and woolly Roaring Twenties and it speaks to the evils of excess, greed, lust, and unattainable ideals. I know that many people may be intimidated by its being labeled a "classic" but it really is a wonderful book that everyone should read at least twice.
DBFlight@aol.com
GREAT DETECTIVES: A Century of the Best Mysteries from England and America.
Edited by David Willis McCullough
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES OF THE PAST: Quest for the Unknown.
by Reader's Digest
jennysnell@netspeed.com.au
CROSS STITCH
by Diana Gabaldon
A little slow to start but have heard so many good reviews I will persevere.
WATERLEO@aol.com
MY DREAM OF YOU
by Nuala O'Faolain
Demonstrates the depth of feeling of a woman in transition. She has encountered some major setbacks in her life in England and returns to Ireland in search of the details of a historical divorce and is determined to write a book about it. This is her journey through her past and into her own future.
Loveajoy@aol.com
TELL NO ONE
by Harlan Coben
HOT SPRINGS
by Stephen Hunter
SUSPICION OF VENGEANCE
by Barbara Parker
NORTH OF CLEVER
by Suzann Ledbetter
MIDNIGHT BAYOU
by Nora Roberts
HEAVEN AND EARTH
by Nora Roberts
shoff@adelphia.net
ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY
by David Sedaris
It was very interesting and at times laugh-out-loud funny. I was able to attend a reading with Mr. Sedaris before I read this book, the lecture was so funny, my sides hurt from laughing so much. The interesting point to me, is that he isn't writing as a comedian. He just has a unique perspective that strikes me funny. The title is a reference to his trying to learn to speak French. His essays are brutally honest, and leave you wondering if his family is still speaking to him. I'd love to have lunch with him.
Deb1teach@aol.com
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
by James Patterson, 5 stars
James Patterson doesn't let us down in this new thriller about the underworld of vampire killers. One of his best.
RRiopel903@aol.com
THE LAST PRECINCT
by Patricia Cornwell
Vikkivand@aol.com
THE CORRECTIONS
by Jonathan Franzen, 3 1/2 stars
Not bad, but some of it was difficult to get through. About half way through
the book I did become interested on how these dysfunctinal characters would
turn out and kept on with it.
BSch195680@aol.com
WALDEN
by Henry D. Thoreau, 5 stars
A masterpiece that is unexpectedly funny and delightful, I wish I'd gotten to it sooner!
robindel@tampabay.rr.com
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 4 stars
A beautiful love story that unfolds as Karen reads the diary of her lover's wife, which Suzanne began writing before her son's birth. At turns, heart wrenching and joyful, funny and sad, this is a story of love at its deepest and a tragedy that affects those who lived through it and those who came after. This is a very different James Patterson; it is James Patterson, the poet, at work here.
TheAerie@skybest.com
BIRDSONG
by Sebastian Faulks, 4 stars
Wonderful love story set in WWI.
CORELLI'S MANDOLIN
by Louis de Bernieres, 2 1/2 stars
This book had been highly recommended to me, so maybe my expectations were too high. I just couldn't get into it. The ending was just too pat!
THE SPARROW
by Mary Doria Russell, 5 stars
One of the best I've read all year. The author has a wonderful imagination. I could not put it down. Had never read anything like it before.
HERE ON EARTH
by Alice Hoffman, 3 stars
I haven't finished it yet, but so far the plot is a little stale woman goes back to home town and rekindles old flame.
Bjglu@aol.com
HONKY
by Dalton Conley, 2 1/2 stars
A mildly interesting memoir of a white boy growing up in an minority neighborhood.
dmiech@mediaone.net
POOR THINGS: EPISODES FROM THE EARLY LIFE of ARCHIBALD McCANDLESS M.D. SCOTTISH PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER
by Alasdair Gray, 5 stars
A wonderful lark! A fun and slightly twisted tale of medical science gone awry set in Scotland and around the Mediterranean in the early 1880's. The book is cleverly comprised of a series of documents including letters, illustrations, and a lengthy confessional. Alasdair Gray writes both the introduction and a series of critical and historical notes that follow the documents. The reader witnesses a strange and fabulous story told from multiple perspectives, and is left to their own devices in drawing a conclusion. Gray writes historical fiction with enough whimsy to make it unbelievable, and enough authenticity to make you question its implausibility.
BuilderBobJr@aol.com
SKIPPING CHRISTMAS
by John Grisham, 5 stars
John Grisham has written a book which I believe most people would rather avoid the holiday season. This is a wonderfully written, fast paced book with a twist to the last few chapters. The book is humorous, and being an accountant, I can relate to the lengths we go through, and the money spent (wasted) at this time of year to make our loved ones happy. If you can break away from the holiday madness, take time out to read this intelligent, delightful book.
Teach529@aol.com
MERCY
by Julie Garwood
I found it compelling and a great read.
SKIPPING CHRISTMAS
by John Grisham
A fun look at the holiday rush.
Kreckmd1@aol.com
TIDES OF WAR
by Steven Pressfield
The story of the Peloponnesian War and Alcibiades, the great leader/traitor/charmer/hero.
MACN4MONEY@worldnet.att.net
THE BOOKMAN'S WAKE
by John Dunning, 4 stars
I love mysteries and I love book collecting and this book is about both. I particularly liked learning about the 'business' of collecting.
BLOOD LURE
by Nevada Barr, 3 stars
Seemed fairly run of the mill to me, but probably of more interest to people interested in the main characters' career as a Park Ranger.
THE RUNNER
by Christopher Reich, 4 Stars
It is fairly predictable, but I liked the International War Crimes trials of Nazis as the main theme. I am interested in WWII as well as mysteries so it was a good combination.
WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS
by Anne Tyler, 5 Stars
I always relate to Tyler's characters and their dilemmas and fantasize about acting on feelings like they do. I wonder about past 'loves' and what life with them would be like and I would dearly love to check them out today.
Sligo32962@aol.com
NEVER LET HER GO
by Ann Rule, 5 stars
Five stars for description and attention to detail. Engrossing true story about the murder of the young woman who was the appointment secretary for the Governor of Delaware.
bluhrig@inct.net
UNCLE TUNGSTEN: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood
by Oliver Sacks, 5 stars
Dr. Sacks wrote AWAKENINGS and THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT among other books. All of his books offer excellent insights into the way the mind works and how this neurologist remains excited by his work. I will read The Infinite by Douglas Clegg next. This horror book is by an author whose previous work I have read only by email. Then there were the 4 other books which are in a stack by the bed. I always read more than one book at a time.
PFLucas@aol.com
STICKS AND SCONES
by Diane Mott Davidson, 3 stars
Why is it that all of the library books in this series have food smears on the pages? People must like to read and eat, or cook and read. The book follows the same format of finding a body and catering a dinner. For some reason, I have to read each new book that comes out in the series. It is a good book to read in an airport or a waiting room.
THE BOOK OF RUTH
by Jane Hamilton, 5 stars
The compelling and troubling story of a young girl and her dysfunctional family. This book was recommended by a friend, but it has been in my "books to read box" for a couple of years. After reading it, I wondered why I hadn't read it sooner.
JULIE AND ROMEO
by Jeanne Ray, 3 stars
A very light and amusing weekend read. It is an adult romantic comedy with a touch of fairy tale in the ending.
johno3@annapolis.net
CHURCHILL
by Roy Jenkins
A pol by trade, Jenkins finds Churchill, but unlike other authors, doesn't deify the old bulldog. Winston was a product of a family of incredible ambition, says Jenkins, but that's not the same as blind ambition, which brought down his father and mother. Jenkins' book is filled to the walls with gossip and rumor and good-hearted tale-telling, all things missing from the shelvesful of Winston hagiographies. One of the delights of the year. Jenkins, you will recall, made Gladstone come to life, so he has no problem resurrecting the winning Winston.
JES75243@aol.com
FOUR PAST MIDNIGHT
by Stephen King
It is a book with four different stories. Novellas if you will. It is a horror fiction. I love Stephen King books. So far I have read THE STAND, ROSE MADDER, THE SKELETON CREW, DREAMCATCHER, THE GIRL WHO LOVED TOM GORDON, and DESPERATION.
matate10@swbell.net
THE COWBOY AND HIS ELEPHANT
by Malcom McPhearson, 5 stars
About a cowboy who loves animals and just happens to be the Marlboro Man, who happens onto a baby elephant named Amy. Very heartwarming. Sad in places, but not as sad as it could have been.
Cairo1953@aol.com
BLUE DIARY
by Alice Hoffman, 4 1/2 Stars
This story is centered upon loyalty and forgiveness. The question is...should we forgive unforgivable acts? Hoffman has that rare & wonderful ability to create characters that reach out & touch our soul. There's a bit of magic laced throughout all of her books, which captures your attention and forces your imagination to expand. Read just one of her books, and you will be "bewitched."
Unclesub@aol.com
THE CORRECTIONS
by Jonathan Franzen, 1 star
The first 130 pages of 'The Corrections' are quite
delightful. Then it dives into an arid hole of fake and pompous prose and posturing. And the "turd" scene! A portrait of Franzen as an old man? What else could it be? The poor boy apparently not looking forward to his dotage, though it struck about a quarter of the way through Corrections'.
HSheri629@aol.com
SERPENT
by Clive Cussler, 5 stars
An unbelievably good book. Just hated it when I had to put it down! Deep sea diving, archeology, a little love attraction, and interesting characters, made this book interesting, along with a learning experience. Can't say enough good things about it.
don.demore@worldnet.att.net
TRIALS OF THE MONKEY
by Matthew Chapman, 3 1/2 stars
A memoir and an examination of the Dayton "Monkey" Trial made famous in the play and movie "Inherit the Wind". Chapman, who is a great-grandson of Charles Darwin, mixes both his family history and his story of a visit to the small town where the elder Darwin's evolutionary theory was challenged in a Dayton courtroom.
BROTHEL
by Alexa Albert, 2 1/2 stars
An examination of the lives of the prostitutes who worked at the famous, or infamous, Mustang Ranch outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The author originally went to the brothel to conduct research in public health concerns but ultimately developed a personal interest and a personal connection to the "workers" there. The tone of the book vacillates between being an apology for the actions that take place there, while never really touching on the lives led outside the compound, and an almost "girlish" sort of confessional.
NICKEL AND DIMED
by Barbara Ehrenreich, 2 stars
This is supposed to be an examination, from the "inside", of what it is like to try to live in America today while earning minimum wage. There are too many differences between Ehrenreich ( a white woman with a PH.D) and those she is attempting to emulate to really provide the emotional catharsis she seems to be aiming at. She frequently mentions the safety nets she has in place, which themselves make this exercise less than "realistic". Does not have the emotional resonance that was expected.
THE CAMERA MY MOTHER GAVE ME
by Susanna Kaysen, 3 stars
An interesting book, perhaps especially for a male, about a uniquely female problem. A continuation of the travails of the object of "Girl Interrupted".
NARCISSUS IN CHAINS
by Laurell K. Hamilton, 4 stars
The newest Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, volume. Those who enjoyed the earlier books will love this one. A richly detailed story with many layers, erotic and violent, yet not without those elements being integral to the story.
BITTEN
by Kelly Armstrong, 4 stars
This is a debut novel by a writer of great promise for the commercial market. The heroine of the story is a "reluctant" female werewolf who is desperately trying to fit into the human world, and a human relationship, when she is called to help in the defense of "the pack". The book's premise is one that allows for the requisite amount of conflict, both intra-species and inter-species, with a "love triangle" thrown in for good measure. This is an exotic, at times erotic, story with a skillful ending that leaves the reader waiting for a sequel.
BROKEN HEARTH
by William Bennett, 3 1/2 stars
The conservative commentator makes several pronouncements about the condition of the American Family at the end of the Twentieth Century. While I did not agree with all of the opinions expressed in this volume I do believe it is thought-provoking enough to be a valuable read for everyone.
STRIP CITY
by Lily Burana, 4 stars
The memoir of an "Exotic Dancer" and her farewell tour, both with and without her fiancée, before she settles down to married life. Burana, who writes for several nationally known magazines, on issues other than her past exploits, provides the reader with a view of this industry that, one must suppose, only the insiders ever really see. She is articulate yet earthy, never approaching her experiences with a superior air nor with the demeanor of a victimized innocent. She portrays the working conditions she experiences with all of their warts and scars, both figuratively and literally.
Swanksax@aol.com
JUSTICE
by Dominick Dunne, 4 stars
ENVY
by Sandra Brown, 5 stars
Nancy10107@aol.com
THE HAJ
by Leon Uris, 5 Stars
The story of the Arabs and Jews in Palestine from the early 1900s. A little slow reading at first but fascinating. It really gives you a perspective of where today's terrorists may have come from, and some background on the Arab nations. This was published over 15 years ago, but is as interesting now as when first published, especially considering 9/11 and Afghanistan.
ConnieDonovan@webtv.net
REBECCA'S TALE
by Sally Beauman
I was curious to see if it was as good as REBECCA and it was. It is the story of Rebecca from childhood to when she married Maxim up to her death. The mystery of her death is still there. Did Maxim murder her, and if so, why. It
is a book to "own" not a "library book".
JAM151@aol.com
AN AMERICAN OUTRAGE
by G.K. Wuori, 3 stars
Interesting story, but dark and quirky, .. kinda like Fargo, the movie.
THE SEVILLE COMMUNION
by Arturo Perez-Reverte, 4 stars
Good story, good mystery.
PLANTATION
by Dorthea Benton Frank, 4 stars
Fun, easy read.
PERSONAL HISTORY
by Katherine Graham, 3 1/2 stars
Interesting to read how the UPPER class lives...and her life, but way too long.
Bbd33@aol.com
HOW CLOSE WE COME
by Susan S. Kelly, 4 1/2 stars
A story of women and friendship.
Lucky4750@aol.com
HEAVEN AND EARTH
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
The second book in her latest trilogy about Three Sisters Island. This story is about Ripley Todd, a sheriff's deputy. Ripley has a happy and content life with the exception of her "magical" powers that she has a problem controling. But a researcher comes to town to investigate rumors of witchcraft on the Island. He is very handsome and smart. Read about the sparks that fly when Ripley becomes taken by Mac. Love is in the air. A great read.
SEASIDE
by Terri Blackstock, 4 stars
A nice story about two sisters who envy each other and end up on a vacation in the Gulf Of Mexico with their mother. They begin to realize they can truly enjoy life without resenting each other if they just enjoy the natural beauty of the moment.
karigul@UDel.Edu
HOLIDAYS ON ICE
by Dave Sedaris
I would have given this 5 stars after reading the first vignette about being a Christmas elf in Macy's SantaLand. However after reading the second vignette, I wanted to throw the book across the room and burn all the rest of his books that I have collected.
FRAUD
by David Rakoff, 4 stars
David Rakoff is not Dave Sedaris even though everyone in New England calls you Dave, the title of the first vignette in these
sardonic stories...
O PIONEER
by Willa Cather, 5 stars
A classic story about life on the prairie in the early 1900s. Moving account of a Swedish woman's fight for her home.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
by Charles Dickens, 5 stars
What can I say.
OUT OF PLACE
by Peter Said, 2 1/2 stars
Very tedious, often whiny memoir of political commentator Peter Said. Could do with some maps.
LDragonreader@aol.com
ISLAND REFUGE
by Linda Hall, 2 1/2 stars
It is about a disparate group of people that have come together on an island off the coast of Maine, to live together in an abandoned church. One is a young man that has accidentally killed a woman in his home town. Others are a woman whose husband disappears for months at a time with no explanation, a man whose wife died and a preacher who has been disgraced and is learning to live with silence. A young woman with a baby appears in their midst and is murdered shortly afterwards. The dynamics of this group as they work through their emotions and guilt are compelling. The journeys that each of them make to the healing of their hearts and souls kept me spellbound. I read this one in just a few hours and plan to read this one, again.
Vpclpepper@aol.com
HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR
by C.S. Forester, 4 stars
I am reading the series in the order of Hornblower's life, not the order in which they were written. A thoroughly interesting story of a complex character. The best so far.
AT HOME IN MITFORD
by Jan Karon, 2 stars
The first in the series, very popular with many of my friends. Light reading, and unevenly flowing narrative, but quiet and enjoyable--even some moments of wit.
AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT
by Jimmy Carter, 4 1/2 stars
Charming account of his boyhood in rural- and small-town Georgia.
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
by Betty Smith, 3 stars
One I had been meaning to read since it came out, but just got around to. Worth reaching back for, and it has the "feel" of an autobiography. Well-written story of a very poor family in Brooklyn at the turn of the last century (1900's) reminded me of "Angela's Ashes" in many ways, but not as sad.
Akernells@aol.com
HARRY POTTER
by J.K. Rowling, 5 stars
The best book I have read in awhile. The story line is wonderful. Not only a book for children, adults will love this one too!
Cipsi2@aol.com
HIGHWIRE MOON
by Susan Straight, 3 stars
Although this was up for the National Book Award, I found it rather disappointing. Too much drug use, too much jumping around in the narrative, too much going from place to place. The promise I felt in the prologue just never developed in the story.
DIANA'S BOYS
by Christopher Anderson, 3 stars
An interesting, non-essential book, giving a nice look at the cute little guys in a detail not available to us in the USA.
MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
by Billy Hayes with William Hoffer, 5 stars
A third re-read of this 1977 book. It is as gripping a tale this time. There is a great moral in this story -- simply, crime doesn't pay.
ReginaEOrlando@aol.com
THE NATURE OF WATER AND AIR
by Regina McBride
A beautiful, lyrical novel about a mother and daughter in Ireland spanning 1960 - 1979. Clodagh, the daughter is a surviving twin determined to secure her elusive mother Agatha's love and learn the truth of her mysterious past. In her quest, Clodagh is swept into a romance with a handsome tinker/traveler/gypsy who slowly reveals to her the truth about her mother. This is a book that reaches out and pulls you in like the tides of the ocean! Once you finish it --it will haunt your heart and soul, you won't forget it, you just won't forget it.
THE LAST CHANCE SALOON
by Marian Keyes
This is a charming, funny and oh-so-true to life novel of the bonds of friendship, and all the joys, heartaches and learning we do together. Keyes writes with wit and wisdom, you care about these characters and you won't want the book to end!
KISSING IN MANHATTAN
by David Sieckler
You won't be able to put this one down. This novel is a richly woven tapestry of characters and their intertwining stories set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in a gorgeous Gothic style apartment house called the Preemption. I had to keep reminding myself that is was a fiction novel that is how real these characters are and the descriptions of the city...well, when you go to those places you will look at them differently because these characters will be with you!
Reeklink@aol.com
WEST WITH THE NIGHT
by Beryl Markham, 5 stars
A memoir with fantastic descriptions of Africa in early 1900's. Beryl was taken to East Africa in 1906. Her childhood was spent playing with native Murani children while her father transformed a stretch of wilderness into a working farm. Beryl trains and breeds race horses with her father, then becomes a pilot. Beautifully written, a page turner from the start. I didn't want it to end
Bjglu@aol.com
BLACKBIRD
by Jennifer Lauck, 5 star
This is a rare memoir that is honest, touching, harrowing, heartbreaking and inspiring. Read it and give it to your child (junior high school or older) to read.
alison@acenet.net.au
THE SMOKE JUMPER
by Nicholas Evans, 5 stars
A true page turner, which I attribute to a lethal combination of its key elements -- a love triangle, friendship, humor, suspense, action, adventure and danger.
DOWN UNDER
by Bill Bryson, 4 stars
A witty account of the author's travel experiences in Australia. As an Australian, I was surprised at the outset at how Bill Bryson managed to place his "finger on the pulse" in terms of cultural "do's and don'ts".
NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND
by Bill Bryson
I hope that Bill Bryson's account of his travel experiences in Britain will be equally entertaining.
DUGMAC@aol.com
SKIPPING CHRISTMAS
by John Grisham
IMPULSE
by Colter
ORCHID BLUES
by Stuart Woods
Whimsey03@aol.com
MIDNIGHT BAYOU
by Nora Roberts, 4 stars
Ghosts, sex, murder, romance, and a big ol' house in the bayou--what more could you want. Excellent Nora Roberts fare, a fast read, and good time. The ending seemed a little anticlimactic to me, but I'll leave that to the reader. Fun read.
kevin@craigshirley.com
INTERNAL INVASION
by Gean B. Atkinson
The book describes a nefarious bio-terrorist attack against the U.S. It almost mirrors the anthrax attacks, except for one keypoint: Mr. Atkinson began writing his book 2 years ago. I read INTERNAL INVASION during the anthrax scare. It seemed as though a different chapter was unfolding on the news each night. Anyone who reads this book will be shocked and amazed by Mr. Atkinson's foresight.
litfan@clarityconnect.com
ARCADIA FALLS
by Rand Johnson, 5 stars
This is a book that is successful on many levels. The writing is atmospheric and rich with allusions, the characters complex, and the message compelling as the author explores mythological iconography, gender relations, career alienation, and environmental protest in one emotionally riveting tale. But most of all, Johnson never loses sight of the need to keep the reader entertained. He delivers a narrative that demands your attention and then rewards it with building tension and an ending as thought-provoking as it is surprising. A wonderful novel.
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